Calories in Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a vibrant, herb-based sauce originating from Argentina, primarily made of fresh parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. It is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants from fresh herbs, though it is calorie-dense due to its high oil content.
Track Chimichurri calories with just a photo
Snap a photo of your food — GAYA calculates calories, protein, carbs, and fat in seconds.
Download GAYA
Common Variations
| Variation | Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Tablespoon | 15g | 70 | 0.2g | 0.5g | 7.5g |
| 1/4 Cup serving | 60g | 280 | 0.8g | 2g | 30g |
| Low-Oil Chimichurri | 15g | 35 | 0.3g | 0.8g | 3.5g |
| Red Chimichurri (with peppers) | 15g | 65 | 0.3g | 1.2g | 6.8g |
Health Benefits
Rich in Vitamin K and Vitamin C from the high concentration of fresh parsley.
Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil which help lower LDL cholesterol.
Garlic and herbs provide potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Nutrition Tips
- Use chimichurri as a flavorful alternative to creamy, high-saturated fat sauces like peppercorn or bearnaise.
- Make your own at home to control the amount of salt and the quality of the oil used.
- The high oil content makes it very calorie-dense; stick to 1-2 tablespoons per meal.
- Pair it with lean proteins like grilled chicken or white fish to balance the fat content of the sauce.
- The vinegar and garlic in the sauce can help stimulate digestion when eaten with heavy meats.
GAYA Tracking Tip
For accurate results, photograph the chimichurri separately in its ramekin or drizzled clearly over your protein — GAYA can better estimate the volume of oil-based sauces when they are visible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chimichurri keto-friendly?+
Yes, chimichurri is excellent for a keto diet as it is very low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. It adds significant flavor to meats without adding sugar.
How many calories are in a typical serving of chimichurri?+
A standard 1-tablespoon serving contains approximately 70-75 calories, mostly derived from the olive oil base. Larger portions can quickly increase meal calorie counts.
Does chimichurri contain a lot of sodium?+
It depends on the recipe, but most commercial versions contain about 80-100mg of sodium per tablespoon. Homemade versions allow you to reduce this significantly.
Track Chimichurri calories with just a photo
Snap a photo of your food — GAYA calculates calories, protein, carbs, and fat in seconds.
Download GAYA